Architects’ Learning Groups
Architects undertake appropriate CPD from a range of sources. An Architects’ Learning Group is an activity to support peer education to supplement other formal activities architects may access. Peer education amongst experienced practitioners is recognised as an effective tool for professionals to maintain and improve knowledge and skills in the dynamic environment of professional services.
What is an Architects’ Learning Group
A Learning Group is a group of architects who have come together to form a group for the purpose of peer education. If the Group follows the procedures produced by the Board, participants in the Group’s activities can claim formal CPD hours. Participation is voluntary and Groups are organised by architects themselves. Groups may form on the basis of location, specific interests, and so forth. Each Learning Group should elect an ‘Administrator’.
The Board and Online Resources for Groups
The Administrator of the Group should complete the form for group registration and submit it to the Board. Once a Groups form is received a private online group will be created for them on the ARBV website. This resource is for the members to contact each other, plan for sessions, share documents or chat about topics. This can be accessed by logging into the ARBV website and accessing your profile. There is no fee attached to establishing a Learning Group.
How much time will I have to commit to the Group?
The amount of times a Group meets each year is entirely the decision of members of the Group. For example, if Learning Group comprises 5 individuals, each member of the Group may elect to present a session each – meeting 5 times over the year for one or two hours each.
Claiming CPD Points?
Remember 1 hour = 1 CPD point. You may claim points for preparation time, the time it took to develop the presentation and also participation time. All sessions delivered through the Groups will be formal activities.
The learning outcomes of the session should be identified – that is, what changes in relation to professional knowledge, skills, attitudes, or performance can be expected as a result of participating in the session. As formal CPD the activity should also allow for opportunities for the participants to interact with the presenter and other participants, and feedback should be provided.
EXAMPLES of interactive methods include: case studies, simulations, workshops, demonstrations, opportunities for questions and answers. Participants in the Group may also be asked to undertake some activities in preparation for the session such as reading specified articles, collecting data, pondering issues to be addressed.
How do I record my participation in a Learning Group?
The Board provides the opportunity for each Learning Group to be listed with the Board. Each Group member will keep their own records for a minimum of 5 years either on the ARBV website CPD logging system or in their own personal records. Each Presenter in an Architects’ Learning Group should file and record their own materials and forward a copy of this to the participants for their own CPD records. Documents such as session outlines and notes may be attached to the activity when you log it on the ARBV online CPD logging system.
What is the process for establishing a Learning Group?
Architects Learning Groups are organised by architects themselves who then select an administrator of the group. The Groups elected administrator’s role is simply to complete the Architect Learning Group Registration Form, submit it to the Board and advise the Board if there are any changes to the Group.
Once you have identified the participants in your Group you should decide how often you will meet throughout the year and who will be responsible for preparing and presenting sessions for the Group. Each presenter is responsible for keeping a record of the planning and presentation of the session for the session he/she prepares.
ARBV will create a private online group for your members to access once logged into the ARBV website. You may use this online space to contact each other, prepare for your next session or share photos and documents such as preparation guides for participants.
Each member of the Learning Group may record their involvement on the ARBV online CPD logging system or their personal records which are to be kept for a minimum of five years.
